Alberta Arts Days coming soon to Pincher Creek

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Chris Davis photo

Alberta Arts Days are just a few days away, running from September 30 to October 2 throughout the province.  Various organizations in Pincher Creek will be joining in.

There is a myriad of  facets to the word "art".  Pincher Creek has many talented people engaging in different forms of art. Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village (KBPV), The Pincher Creek Municipal Library,  Metis Association Local 1880, Ranchland Mall and The Oldman River Rose Society are all doing their part to celebrate our artists.


Most of the programming is meant for all-ages, and much of it is free to the public.  Arts represented include horticulture, visual, music, crafts, language, history,and literary.


Metis Local 1880 are excited to have Garry Hackler giving art lessons. Hackler is a local artist, teacher, naturalist and archaeologist. He will be bringing live animal mounts for study. The Medicine Wheel is an important part of Metis culture, and you will be able to make one of your own while learning more about the fascinating history and use of this sacred object. There will also be a fun and interactive workshop on the Metis language, Michif.  These are offered free to anyone of any age from 10 am-4pm.  On friday this programming will be offered at the Provincial Building at the Metis Local 1880 offices.The same programming will be offered at KBPV on the Saturday, October 1.

The Pincher Creek Municipal Library will have displays and will be celebrating the works of local and Alberta authors during their regular hours:  Friday, 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 4:30 pm.

Ranchland Mall and Pincher Creek Co-op will feature Betty Heppner and other local artisans showing off their crafting abilities on Saturday, October 1 from  10 am to 4 pm.

Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village will be holding most of their programming for this event at Pioneer place, the front administration building (which is undergoing extensive exterior maintenance). Most of the KBPV events will be free to attend.

Free programming includes five local authors on Friday, September 30 from 11 am to 2 pm.  Each author will have their own table to allow them to converse with interested readers.
Authors include: 

• Eryka Bruder, the 11 year-old author of "Lillian's Worn Out Brown Boots"
• Frances Riviere, author of "Washing at the Creek", an acclaimed book based on growing up in the Twin Butte area.  
• Christopher Hoare , author of the Iskander high-fantasy series, including his latest book, "Raste", a novel available in both soft cover and e-book form. Click here to read a review of Raste. 
• Curator Farley Wuth, author of "The History That Almost Wasn't: Chronicles of Pincher Creek's Ill-Fated Railway History" who is currently busy updating "From Prairie Grass to Mountain Pass", the definitive history of the Pincher Creek area and its people.
• Murray Pura,  has written five non-fiction and three fiction novels as well as many short stories. He will have most of his works on hand, including his latest, "The White Birds of Morning".  Two new Pura books are coming out in 2012, "The Wings of Morning" and "Virginia City."  

A special session of the Pincher Creek Pioneer Market will be taking place at the same time as the authors.  Visit www.pioneermarket.org for more information.

KBPV offers 2-for-1 pricing to view the grounds and exhibits on Friday and Saturday.

Claude Choe, world famous maestro, conductor, musician, and song-writer will be featured in a special evening event at KBPV on Friday, September 30, playing classical romantic guitar.  His newest CD will be available for purchase and there will be an autographing session afterward.  This is a licensed event. Advance tickets only, $10 each.  Contact KBPV at 403-627-3684 to order your tickets, or order them online at www.kootenaibrown.org.

On Saturday, October 1, KBPV will host Metis Local 1880 and their program of arts and culture from 10 am to 4pm.  Sharon Levenue will be present, demonstrating spinning and quilting.  Bruce "Waattsi" Webster will be displaying his art and teaching more about the symbolism of the Haida People of the west coast.   This event will be  held in Pioneer place, KBPV's administration building, and is free to the public.

On Saturday evening, October 1, there will be live music featuring various local talents, at a $5.00 charge per person, and the silent auction will be open until 9:30 pm.

Lebel Mansion hosts Festival of Roses...Art in Bloom.  Taking place on Friday and Saturday, this festival celebrates all things related to roses. Click here for more information.

Two official websites regarding Alberta Arts Days:
Alberta Arts Days activities in southern Alberta (September 30-October 2)
Alberta Arts Days activities in northern Alberta (September 30-October 2)